It doesn’t take long before we can go. I take the pill that Hope gives me on the way home and don’t remember much of the drive.
The next thing I hear is Knox grumbling about helping me out of the car. I smile at him. “We win?”
“Barely. You being double-teamed got us the field goal that secured the win.”
“I did it,” I say with a dopy grin.
“Yeah, don’t expect a standing ovation from the team,” Dimitri says, taking my other arm.
I immediately flinch and shake my head. “Dude, my back!”
Their conversation goes in one ear and out the other until I’m in bed. I hear Hope talking. “He’s not cleared. I’m serious about that medic. He needs to be fired. Jaxon should have been taken off from a concussion. Now his back…”
“Fuck,” Knox groans.
“Come cuddle. I’m not in a hospital gown,” I demand.
“Not interested,” Dimitri says. “And you’re not in any position to seduce.”
“I’ll strike a better pose.”
Hope sighs. “You guys… I’ll talk to Coach Carpenter in the morning. Let’s just get some sleep.” Then she kisses my temple. “Wait for me.”
“I’ve been waiting for years. I can wait longer,” I say, my eyes closed as my surroundings blur together.
I hiss and open my eyes. Hope peeks at me from my side, wearing my practice jersey because she’s that fucking sweet. I smile and pull her closer. “You going to make me feel better?”
“By cuddling, Jax.”
“Much less fun. I’ll get hard again if I look at you,” I promise.
“You’re not the only one in bed,” Knox grumbles.
“Yeah, well, I don’t wantyourhand,” I argue.
Hope lays on my arm and moves closer, her head on my shoulder. I watch her as she rubs my belly. “Maybe… tomorrow… if you sleep well and take all your meds.”
“Best doctor.”
But sleep is impossible. I can’t get comfortable. Everything hurts. Anytime Hope moves, I feel it, but I don’t want to push her away. I’m sure if she escapes my arms, she’s going to get hurt and I can’t lose her. I can’t. She’s too important to me.
When she whimpers, Knox lifts his head then kisses her shoulder.
“You’re a good girl, sweetheart. You’re so good. You’re safe. Right here. With us. Where you belong,” I say, more out of habit than anything.
She settles back in even though her nails are digging into my arm by her face.
“That works?” Knox asks.
I nod. “Some times better than others. I can’t get comfortable. Can you…?”
I don’t want him to move her, but he slowly rolls her off my arm. I struggle to roll over, but once I’m on my side with a pillow between my knees, like Hope said, the pressure is gone.
She lets out a soft yelp, kicks, then Knox tries telling her she’s good. She doesn’t settle. He slowly moves her closer to me while massaging her side. “You’re right here, Hope. With me and Jax. You’re safe. With us…”
He falls back asleep, leaving me awake and staring at Hope. I stroke her face and gently massage her jaw since she always clenches her teeth through nightmares. I kiss her forehead.
I failed Daisy… but I’ll never fail Hope.
